Multiple Couples in Mid-Michigan Charged with Child Abuse Conspiracy

Four adoptive parents in mid-Michigan are facing numerous child abuse charges after allegedly adopting children for financial gain and subjecting them to secret abuse. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office announced charges against couples Joel and Tammy Brown, as well as Jerry and Tamal Flore, after evidence was obtained relating to the abuse of eight children adopted through their homes since 2007. The charges include varying degrees of child abuse, conspiracy to commit child abuse, and failing to report child abuse. The Flore couple faces the most charges, including several counts of first-degree child abuse, which carries a potential life sentence. The couples allegedly conspired to adopt children for financial gain, with the help of Joel Brown, a former employee of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service's children's services agency.